Eight students arrested over suspected arson attack at Kenya girls school that killed 16

Authorities in Kenya have arrested eight students suspected of deliberately starting a fatal fire at an all-girls school whilst their classmates slept, in one of the country's most devastating school tragedies in recent memory.

Eight arrested following extensive investigation

In a press release issued on Friday, Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) provided an update on the deadly blaze at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, which claimed the lives of 16 students and left nearly 80 others injured.

"Investigators have conducted extensive interviews with students, teaching staff, and other witnesses, while forensic teams carry out a detailed review of available CCTV footage," the DCI statement said.

"Preliminary investigations have identified eight students as persons of interest in connection with the planning and execution of the suspected arson attack."

"The eight girls have since been arrested and are currently in police custody," the statement continued.

"Detectives continue to record statements and analyse all available evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events, establish the full circumstances of the incident, and determine the motive."

The names of the suspects were not included in the press release. People reached out to the DCI but did not immediately receive a response.

The fire and its aftermath

The blaze was reported at approximately 3:30am local time on Thursday, in Nakuru County, according to the Kenya Red Cross. The organisation confirmed that 123 students were affected in total, with a number requiring hospitalisation for their injuries.

The fire broke out in a two-storey dormitory, and some students were forced to jump from the upper floor to escape the flames.

Wambui Nderitu, whose cousin attends the school, told the BBC: "Some of those at the top floor had to jump out, that's why they are injured." Nderitu confirmed her cousin was among those who jumped, sustaining a broken leg in the fall.

The Kenya Red Cross said it continues to support affected students and their families through psychosocial support and tracing services as response efforts remain ongoing.

Calls for calm and a pledge of justice

The DCI's statement extended condolences to those affected whilst appealing for restraint from the public as the investigation continues.

"The National Police Service conveys its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, relatives, friends, and the entire school community following this heartbreaking tragedy. We also wish a swift recovery to all those receiving medical treatment," the DCI said.

"The DCI acknowledges the profound sensitivity and emotional weight of this incident and appeals to the public, parents, and guardians for calm, patience, and restraint as investigations continue.

"The Directorate assures all stakeholders that a thorough, professional, and impartial investigation is underway to establish the exact cause and full circumstances surrounding the fire and to ensure that justice is served, bringing much-needed closure to the bereaved families and the entire school community," the statement concluded.

Community leaders are also holding discussions focused on strengthening school safety and fire preparedness across educational institutions in Kenya, according to a further update from the Kenya Red Cross.